Cannaceae

The canna family of the Ginger order includes a single genus with about 19 species. These tropical herbs have rhizomes with erect stems growing up to 3 meters. Broad flat, alternate leaves are feature of this plant, grow out of a stem in a long narrow roll and then unfurl. Flowers are typically red, orange, yellow or any combination of these colours and are aggregated in inflorescences. The family is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Grown widely for their ornamental values and their seeds are used in musical instruments. Canna indica is the familiar species of the family.

In latin , Canna means “reed”, perhaps because the Cannas vertical leaf stems are reed like in appearance. Another lie in the fact that Buddhist monks in India sometimes wear rosaries made from Canna seeds. To them Canna means help from Buddha.